The WORST keyboard we've ever tested - REDMAGIC GK001J

Quick Overview

The RedMagic GK001J mechanical keyboard is deemed the worst tested due to its surprisingly high latency across all connection modes (wired 50.82 ms mean, receiver 58.88 ms mean, Bluetooth 62.28 ms mean), making it unsuitable for competitive gaming despite its hot-swappable switches, rotary encoder, and dedicated screen.

Key Points: The RedMagic GK001J keyboard exhibited poor performance, with the lowest mean latency being 50.82 ms when wired, which is too high for competitive gaming. Latency increased when using wireless modes: 58.88 ms mean via the receiver and 62.28 ms mean via Bluetooth. The keyboard features hot-swappable linear switches, PBT keycaps, a small display screen controlled by a rotary encoder, and a distinct, aggressive gaming aesthetic with red and grey accents. The presenter found the plastic chassis allowed for noticeable flex when squeezed, suggesting it is not the most rigid build. The keyboard includes a USB-C to A coiled cable (4.76ft/1.45m) and a 2.4 GHz dongle. The presenter ultimately cannot recommend the keyboard, especially considering its MSRP, despite positive aesthetic features like the screen and RGB. The video includes a segment promoting LTT's Black Friday deals with free worldwide shipping over $100 until December 2nd.

Context: The video is a review of the RedMagic GK001J Mechanical Keyboard, a device targeting gamers with features like hot-swappable switches, a dedicated display screen, and a gaming-centric design. The reviewer compares its performance, particularly latency, against established standards for gaming peripherals to determine if it meets the performance expectations set by its aesthetic and branding.

Detailed Analysis

The review concludes that the RedMagic GK001J mechanical keyboard is one of the worst tested primarily due to its high input latency across all connection types. When tested, the wired connection yielded a mean latency of 50.82 ms, the receiver mode was 58.88 ms mean, and Bluetooth was 62.28 ms mean. The presenter notes that the wired latency alone, at over 50ms, is too slow for competitive gaming, and the wireless modes are even worse, suggesting that gamers who care about input speed should avoid it, regardless of its $159 sale price (down from $179). Physically, the keyboard features a plastic construction that exhibits noticeable flex, which the presenter dislikes. On the positive side, it includes desirable features such as hot-swappable sockets for the linear switches, PBT keycaps that resist shine-through, a dedicated rotary encoder, and a small screen that displays customizable images and system stats, including five different loopable images. The presenter tests the typing experience and confirms the hot-swap functionality, though he ultimately cannot recommend the product based on performance alone.